Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course

Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training

A LIFE TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE

The Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course was created by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1969. In 1957, Swami Sivananda sent Swami Vishnudevananda to America long before anybody had even heard the word yoga. Swami Vishnu was the first yoga master to train people in the West into yoga teacher training courses. He designed the course to give students a complete knowledge of the practice and philosophy of Yoga. Uniquely, this course is meant for world peace as each person would know how to get back to peace and will radiate peace all around. The course is now taught by his senior disciples throughout the world to more than 1,200 students each year. Now with over 45,000 graduates, the Sivananda yoga teacher training is the largest classical yoga training in the world.

Yoga Alliance Certified

In the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training you will deepen your practice and gain the skills needed to teach yoga. After completion our graduates will receive an internationally recognized certification through the worldwide Yoga Alliance confirming they have the knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga.

Course Curriculum

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THE SIVANANDA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

ASANA

Each day you will study and practice yoga poses as the senior teachers guide you how to teach asanas and pranayama. The daily practice with individual corrections includes:

• Sun salutation

• 12 basic Yoga postures

• 125 Asana variations, from intermediate level to advanced

• Postural alignment

• Concentration techniques

• Deep relaxation with autosuggestion

• Facilitate energy flow and remove blocked energy

PRANAYAMA

Pranayama, the science of prana control, consists of breathing exercises to enhance the health of body and mind. You will learn Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) daily. Also, you will be introduced to advanced pranayama. In summary pranayama will give you the following benefits:

• Expands capacity of the lungs

• Increase oxygen intake for the cells

• Remove carbon dioxide and toxins

• Recharge your energy battery

• Relaxes the nervous system

• Balances the two hemispheres of the brain

• Purifies the nadis (subtle energy channels)

• Awakens the inner spiritual energy

NUTRITION

Food is responsible for building our physical body. The foods we eat and the manner we eat, also affect our mind, senses, energy, capacity of thinking, intellect, and environment.

MEDITATION AND MANTRA

Meditation is an integral part for the practice of Yoga. During this course you will learn the practical steps of meditation, what meditation is, and what meditation is not. In addition, you will learn that meditation is a spiritual journey to the realization of oneness.

During the course there will be a focus on japa meditation, or mantra repetition. We will learn how a sanskrit mantra is a mystical energy encased in a sound structure. Furthermore through repetition we will create a positive thought pattern.

KRIYAS

Yogic cleansing exercises, known as “kriyas” assist nature in removing waste products from our bodies. Practicing cleansing is important as the Yogi regards their bodies as a vehicle in which to evolve toward higher consciousness. Therefore you will learn and practice, with guidance, yoga kriya exercises.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

This study helps you to improve the understanding of your body during your own yoga practice, and to apply it in your teaching practice. You will learn:

YOGA PHILOSOPHY

Yoga philosophy will give you insights into our mistaken beliefs of who we are and what reality really is. A deeper understanding of yourself will help you to detach and release stress which will bring your mind and body in harmony with your life purpose. You will learn about karma and will understand the causes of your obstacles and challenges.

The philosophy classes are considered the main teaching and will benefit you for a long time as the seeds of knowledge are being transmitted. The study of classical yoga texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the writings of our own yoga masters will also take place to enrich you.

KIRTAN

Kirtan is singing the Divine name, or the mantra, with devotion, love and faith. Through this practice you will learn how kirtan helps to purify the heart and calm the mind.

A Modern and Ancient Tradition

FOUR WEEKS IMMERSION IN YOGA LIFE

During the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course you will study in the traditional gurukula system. Students will be fully immersed in a live-in yoga training. During the 4-week course students will practice the classical yoga curriculum which will give them a profound and deep personal transformation. Furthermore the spiritual essence of yoga will be learned through in-depth lessons shared from heart to heart by senior disciples and experienced teachers. This will help awaken self-awareness, leadership, health and vitality. In addition the course will prepare students to transmit the knowledge of yoga to others.

Practical Information

Students will enjoy special cultural programs, ceremonies, concerts and lectures offered by special guests teachers in allied vedic sciences such as ayurveda and jyotish.

There is one weekly day off. *During the day off students are only required to attend morning and evening satsangs and to perform their Karma Yoga. *Attendance at all activities is mandatory and there will be a final exam at the end.

The Four Paths of Yoga

An important component of the yoga teacher training is that for one month you will study the lessons of the Four Paths of Yoga. By learning with the Gurukula system, you will transform detailed theory into practical understanding.

The practice of selfless service helps to reduce selfishness and egoism and keeps you fit, healthy, and joyful. You will learn how to transform karma into dharma.

Bhakti Yoga is the Yoga of Devotion and teaches us how to open the heart and sublimate the emotions. You will enjoy the practice of Kirtan (chanting of classical Sanskrit mantras), learn about Indian mythology, and other traditional Indian rituals.

Raja Yoga is a system of 8 limbs yoga (also known as ashtanga yoga) starting with guidelines in ethical behavior and ending with meditation. Students will understand the interconnectedness of the different aspects of yoga techniques, all leading to better control of body and understanding of the mind. In fact yoga is meditation and meditation is yoga. Additionally, you will learn yoga psychology, positive thinking, and concentration theory and practice.

Jnana yoga or yoga of knowledge is the study and practice of vedanta philosophy. Practically it is the practice of self-inquiry and the understanding of the 3 bodies, 5 layers, and karma. Also one would learn to detach from illusory understanding of self and other and realize oneness.

The body is the moving temple of God. It is the sacred shrine for the Supreme Soul. It should ever be kept clean, healthy, and strong”

– Swami Sivananda

Registration Information

SIGNING UP FOR THE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

The practice and teaching of yoga demands a high degree of self-discipline and moral virtue. In order to ensure the success of the program, participants are required to attend all activities, sessions, lectures, and yoga classes.

Please note that a basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is helpful but not essential. But more important is to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn new ideas.

In order to maintain a pure environment and elevating vibration necessary for the practice of yoga and meditation certain items are restricted. These include: meat, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and also nudity are all prohibited during the course (and in the ashram). Furthermore if there are any participants who do not comply with the ashram rules they may be dismissed from the course.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to cater to all personal dietary preferences. We will offer a lacto-vegetarian (and almost fully organic) menu and also dairy-free and wheat-free dishes. With this most people are happy, healthy and feel well fed. Side dishes, desserts and snacks may contain gluten and dairy.

WHAT TO BRING (COURSE MATERIALS)

You can find out all about what to expect at the ashram in our guest information page. During the yoga teacher training course the following course materials and items should be brought or purchased on location in our boutique which will be open daily.

The required materials included in course fee and provided at course inauguration are:

2 yoga pants, 2 t-shirts

TTC Manual Other required materials not included but available in our boutique for purchase are:

“Bhagavad Gita“ with a commentary by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Trust Society

Yoga mat

Notebook and pen

Kriya set (including Neti Pot)

Meditation cushion, meditation shawl (recommended)

Also please bring with you:

Comfortable as well as warm clothing (covering shoulders and knees)

Flashlight

Sandals or slippers for indoors

Walking shoes

Towel

Water Bottle and Travel mug or tumbler (for hot tea)

Rain gear

Toiletries

For tent space only: bring your own tent, bedding, and towels

COURSE TUITION

For the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training the base rate is $2400 for tenting accommodations. From there the rate goes up as you choose different accommodations options as follows:

Tenting $2400

Om Cabins

Dorm (4 person) $2850

Double (2 person) $3300

Private (1 person) $3750

Siva Cabins

Double (2 person) $3800

Private (1 person) $4400

Deluxe Shanti Cabins

Deluxe Cabin (triple, shared) $3600

Deluxe Cabin (double, shared) $4200

Deluxe Cabin (1 person) $5400

COURSE PREPARATION

The yoga teacher training course requires a high degree of discipline and commitment however prior mastery of Yoga practices is not necessary. Instead yoga is about inner growth. Of course prior practice of asanas and meditation is preferable. In order to best prepare for the intensive yoga teacher training schedule we recommend you to take a course at the ashram prior to the training. You may check our calendar for upcoming courses.

“Essentials of Yoga Practice and Philosophy” compiled by Swami Sitaramananda

CERTIFICATION

The Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course is certified by the Yoga Alliance for the 200-hour standard for Registered Yoga Schools (RYS).

Upon successful completion, the student receives a certificate confirming they have sufficient knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga (asanas, pranayama and relaxation). In acknowledgment, participants receive the title “Yoga Siromani” from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.

We offer 3 times a year yoga teacher training in Dalat, Vietnam in February, July, and November. The course will be taught in English with Vietnamese translation.

Testimonials

READ WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING

My Experience:I loved TTC. Every part of it. Really. I was always marveling at how seamless and spacious it all felt even in the midst of a tighter schedule. And then I remembered where the teachings came from. The staff at the ashram were all so supportive and kind. The teachers amazing and just breathed what they taught/teach. I felt nourished physically, mentally and spiritually from arrival through departure and it stays with me. I think some of the effect on me is trust. Deeper faith and trust in God which I practice through Sivananda yoga. I feel more relaxed, peaceful and often able to stay in the moment.

TTC did change my life on many levels. An obvious change has been that I have let go of teaching Vinyasa and other asana practices and focused on teaching Sivananda. I had been worried if people would appreciate it here in Fairfield county but they do and who was I to doubt. And I don’t have to come up with sequences and playlists so I can spend more time sitting, breathing etc.

My Advice to future students:Take it easy and breathe, do your homework, pay attention in lectures etc,trust the teachers when they say it’s all ok. Remember this is your guide, your friend and don’t take any one thing too seriously. Dance with it all and laugh.

Enjoy it it passes way too soon.

Margie Depew

Pound Ridge, New York, U.S.A., TTC October 2015

My Experience: TTC at the Yoga Farm was absolutely invaluable. To get such a robust experience and training in classical yoga within the ashram environment was very powerful. There are a diverse set of teachers that all complement each other well, and students had the opportunity to develop relationships with each. Access to the knowledge and experiences of the teachers, staff and other students on the path was truly phenomenal, as I have a limited spiritual community at home. The ashram is an environment cultivated specifically to incubate and nurture your spiritual journey, and spending a month here provides a unique opportunity for perspective and growth that cannot be obtained by attending weekend classes or learning online. My TTC was hands down the most valuable month of my life and easily the best investment I’ve ever made!

My Advice to future students:Empty your mind of preconceived notions and judgement, humbly commit yourself to this one month experience, and you will gain precious perspective on your relationship with your mind and with the world you’re a part of.

Benjamin DeBord

Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A., TTC May 2016

My Experience: My TTC experience was truly a blessing. It has a very subtle effect on your awareness of everything. It made me a calmer person and see things more clearly. It just increases your awareness and brings more clarity and makes you a more balanced person in my experience. The changes are slow but definitely it has bought a sense of balance and calmness in my life. There is no anxiety about anything as such. You learn to accept things and appreciate life all the more because you see more clearly. There is some kind of expansion that occurs.

My Advice to future students: Try it not to become a teacher, which is of course part of the course, but to bring more awareness to yourself. It is an opportunity to find yourself and give yourself time to introspect and derive meaning out of your life. You need to be open to receive that.

Hima Kondam

Shakopee, Minnesota, U.S.A. , TTC October 2015

My Experience: During TTC I had the opportunity to share a transformational month with the company of amazing beings. The teachings combined with the live-in ashram experience helped me to redefine my goals in life. I learned practical tools to establish in happiness not depending on the external circumstances. This month had moments of joy, challenge, love, acceptance and healing.

My Advice to future students: Congratulations! This will be a unique experience that can impact your live in a positive way. Being open and humble is always a good attitude to bring for a learning experience. Welcome the change and prepare for a month that will challenge and nourish your mind, body and Soul.

Teachers

Swami Vashistananda comes from the Namboodri lineage in Southern India, Kerala and was the personal priest of Swami Vishnudevananda. Swamiji has been a long-time teacher of bhakti and vedanta in the Sivananda organization ever since. He has been at the Yoga farm since October 2014 and does ceremonies at all the ashram temples and shrines. Swamiji teaches with much inspiration and humor.

Swami Adi Parashaktiananda is a dedicated Sadhak and Hatha Yoga practitioner and teacher, graduated from Sivananda Teachers Training Course in 2007 at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, CA. He took the first monastic vow from Sivananda lineage in 2011 and has been traveling yearly to Vietnam as Swami Sitaramananda’s assistant since then. Swamiji has been teaching the Hatha Yoga classes for the Teachers Training Course and has also been traveling to Chengdu, China to help teach the Teachers Training Course there. He teaches a 7-day Hatha Yoga Sadhana course and the 14-day Sivananda Sadhana Intensive course, whose…

Swami Narayanananda, who was born in London, England, has been a teacher of Yoga and meditation in the International Sivananda Yoga vedanta Centers since 1999. He has served in the ashrams in California and New York, also as director of the centers in New York and Chicago. He is a regular teacher for our Teacher Training and Advanced Teacher training courses in the USA, India and Vietnam. Swami Narayanananda has a compassionate and accessible teaching style firmly based in his own practice and in the study of scripture.

Swami Pranavananda, hails from the USA, and has been a Yoga and Meditation teacher since 1995 in the US and abroad. He teaches mainly the Hatha Yoga and Anatomy sections for the TTC courses. He was the director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA for a few years. Currently he is serving in Vietnam teaching in the Hochiminh center. He enjoys taking classes to learn Vietnamese.

Swami Sitaramananda is a senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, who is a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda and was nominated acharya, senior teacher, by him in 1989. She is presently acharya of US West coast Centers and Ashrams as well as Asia, especially Vietnam, China, and Japan. Swamiji has been director of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm for more than 20 years and has taught many international Teachers Training Courses in California, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and India and is teaching regularly at Sivananda Yoga Retreat in Nassau Bahamas. Swami Sitaramananda is the author of Essentials of Yoga Practice and Philosophy…

Swami Jnaneswariananda joined the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in 1995 and has been director of centers and ashrams in Canada and Italy. She teaches Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Anatomy, and Vedanta at Teacher Training Courses in North America, Italy and India. Swami Jnaneswariananda took vows of Sannyas in 2001. She is currently a senior teacher at the Yoga Farm in Grass Valley. She teaches with great enthusiasm and humor. Swami Jnaneswariananda has a Phd in Biomedical Engineering and is an excellent teacher of anatomy and physiology and yoga philosophy. She is a senior teacher and director of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga…

Swami Dharmananda is assistant director of the Yoga Farm for many years and is in charge of the karma yoga program. He is a faculty of the Sivananda Institute of Health (SIHY) and is one of the main teachers of Yoga Philosophy and Meditation at the Ashram. He took sannyas vows in 2013 and is keenly interested in yoga psychology and philosophy, presenting the classical teaching in a practical and accessible way to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

After 18 years of teaching and service at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Los Angeles, Swami Sivasankariananda joined staff at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in May 2014 and has served as director of the San Francisco Center since February of 2015. Swamiji completed her TTC at the Yoga Farm in 1997 and ATTC there in 2008 and has been on yatra in north and south India and Mount Kailas. She loves to teach and is particularly fond of the Bhakti Yoga practices. Swamiji took sannyas in 2017 and is a certified yoga therapist.